5 Best South Carolina Small Towns To Call Home

Big city living isn’t for everyone. All the road congestion, the constant hustle, and the challenges in forming relationships are reasons why people turn away from the packed cities. Luckily for you, if small-town life is calling your name, South Carolina has some of the nation’s best!

These towns are the total opposite of places like DC and New York. Famous for southern charm and hospitality, South Carolina’s towns are way more laid-back but with all the amenities you need to call home.

Why small town living?

The definition of a small town isn’t set in stone, but the US Census classifies a “small town” as one with 20,000-50,000 residents. Since South Carolina has just over 5.1 million residents–about a quarter of the New York metro!–we’re including “tiny” towns down to around 10,000 persons.

So what do you get when you live in a South Carolina town? The slower pace of life allows for more meaningful connections, with neighbors greeting each other on the streets and local businesses becoming familiar gathering spots.

Additionally, small towns often grow organically in picturesque landscapes with charming architecture and a rich history that adds to their appeal. The natural beauty surrounding these towns provides opportunities for a closer connection with nature and access to more recreation areas. And the reduced traffic and congestion contribute to a less stressful lifestyle.

South Carolina’s enchanting small towns have all these perks, as many have roots back to the colonial days. Take a road trip with us across the Palmetto State to check out a few of the top small towns. Remember, we’re looking at populations of 10,000-50,000, so sorry to Pawleys Island and Charleston; you’re excluded.

Beaufort

Population: 14,000

Region: Lowcountry

Close your eyes and imagine the archetypical South Carolina small town. Chances are your vision includes Spanish moss-draped live oaks, colorful colonial-style homes with wide front porches, and smiling Southerners. Guess what? You just pictured Beaufort, South Carolina’s second-oldest city and what Southern Living calls America’s second-best small town.

Beaufort’s charm feels movie-made, and that’s probably why it’s drawn filmmakers looking for authenticity and old-world charm. You’ve seen the homes and landscape in “Forrest Gump” and “The Big Chill.” Classic Lowcountry marshes and plains surround the well-preserved antebellum mansions, with tidal creeks running out towards the sea islands.

Outdoor enthusiasts come to the Lowcountry to indulge in boating, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching activities. Nearby’s Hunting Island State Park exemplifies what you’ll find in Beaufort’s parks and wildlife areas: a pristine beach, nature trails, and a historic lighthouse.

As a town, Beaufort encourages the arts. Galleries and small-town theaters are part of the makeup, as are historical institutions like the Beaufort National Cemetery and the Penn Center Museum. Much of the boutique shopping and dining are along Bay Street. Heritage homes make up the Old Point area, among the 304 acres designated as a historic district.

Whether exploring the historic district, enjoying outdoor adventures, or immersing oneself in the town’s cultural offerings, Beaufort promises an enchanting experience that captures the essence of the Lowcountry lifestyle. The median price of homes in June 2023 was $500,000.

Bluffton

Population: 28,000

Region: Lowcountry

While Beaufort may be the archetypical South Carolina small town, Bluffton is right on its heels as the self-described “Heart of the Lowcountry.” Bluffton started as a wealthy retreat for plantation owners escaping the inland heat for the cool sea breezes along the coastlines. This history is evident in its preserved historic buildings. The Heyward House Historic Center is a prime example of an antebellum home. A visit provides insights into Bluffton’s past and town heritage.

Bluffton’s Old Town district is at the heart of the town. With its streets lined with moss-draped oak trees and colorful historic homes, it exudes quintessential Southern charm. Today it is a hub of art galleries, boutique shops, and renowned restaurants, where visitors explore local art, find unique treasures, and indulge in delicious Lowcountry cuisine.

The May River’s pristine natural beauty and its marshlands surround Bluffton. Locals have ample water access for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Residents can experience the tranquil waterways and observe the diverse wildlife that calls this area home whenever they want.

Bluffton also boasts numerous championship golf courses, making it a haven for golf enthusiasts. With lush fairways and scenic landscapes, golfers play in a picturesque setting with classic Lowcountry vibes.

As Bluffton is a little bigger than Beaufort and more accessible from Savannah, residents benefit from a wider selection of recreational facilities and shopping centers. But you’ll still have that old-town charm and proximity to the marshlands that make living in the Lowcountry a breath of fresh air. It also made Southern Living’s top 50 small towns in America list as no. 16.

Its June 2023 median list price was $624,000, with 814 homes on the market.

Aiken, SC

Population: 34,000

Region: Sandhill

Equestrian fans won’t be surprised to see Aiken make this list. While it may have 34,000 residents, Aiken’s wide open spaces and farmlands make it feel much more rural and laidback.

Aiken started as a wealthy winter resort town for Northerners who wanted to escape the colder climates. The town appealed not just for its warmer but cool climate but for its sandy country, perfect for the equestrian sports so popular among those circles at the turn of the last century.

The equestrian culture remains at the heart of Aiken’s identity. The town is renowned for polo matches, horse shows, and steeplechase races. The equestrian facilities, training centers, and polo fields make it a haven for horse enthusiasts. Right downtown, Hitchcock Woods is one of the largest urban forests in the country. The thousands of acres provide a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with miles of trails for horseback riding and exploring nature.

Even the historic downtown shops cater to the local horse culture, as seen in the art galleries and specialty clothing shops. But not everything in Aiken revolves around dressage and show jumping. The cultural scene includes the Aiken Center for the Arts and the Aiken Bluegrass Festival. Aiken’s historic downtown streets have charming shops, boutiques, and local restaurants. Locals and visitors can shop for unique treasures and savor delicious Southern cuisine.

Aiken had 860 listings at a median price of $300,000 in June 2023. These included equestrian properties, charming downtown cottages, and condominiums.

Anderson, SC

Population: 29,000

Region: Piedmont

Never heard of this South Carolina town? All the sea islands, Lowcountry, and Charleston metro get much press, but South Carolina’s Upcountry regions have equally beautiful and diverse places to live. Anderson exemplifies those qualities with its friendly community and natural beauty.

The town is near the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, creating a rolling landscape dotted with reservoirs and lakes. Two top vacation lakes in the South are close to Anderson– Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee. Both deliver miles of shoreline plus thousands of acres open for boating, fishing, and water sports for outdoor enthusiasts. One visit shows why these lakes and their miles of serene waterfront areas are so popular for relaxation and family gatherings.

The city’s nickname “The Electric City” is because it was one of the first towns in the south to have electric power, thanks to the nearby hydroelectric dam. It’s also known as one of America’s friendliest small towns, having carried the title in 2010.

The downtown district features beautiful architecture, unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Supporting the creative community is the Anderson Arts Center, which showcases local artwork and hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events. The town uses Carolina Wren Park as a community gathering spot for its live music performances, festivals, and other events hosted throughout the year.

Included in Anderson’s perks is the private Anderson University. It’s also close to Clemson and its Division I university, so you’ll see a lot of paw prints and orange worn by sports fans. And it’s not entirely tourism-dependent, as the nearby manufacturers create a strong and diverse economy for the whole region.

Anderson had 582 homes for sale at a median list price of $300,000 in June 2023.

Hilton Head Island

Population: 38,000

Region: Sea Islands

Hilton Head’s population is small enough to earn its “small town” status, but the lifestyle here is exceptional. This famous southern vacation destination supports a bevy of year-round residents who came, fell in love, and never left. The diverse selection of available activities appeals to all ages.

No doubt, the stunning coastline and beautiful beaches are major attractors. With 12 miles of pristine shoreline, the island has ample room for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The beach is known for its vast expanses of sand, gentle waves, and romantic sunsets, making the sandy stretches perfect for relaxation and recreation. And the wildlife is abundant. Take a kayak or sailboat out, and you’ll find manatees snorting, dolphins schooling fish, and sea turtles coming into the shore to nest.

Hilton Head Island matches the exceptional beachfront with a golfer’s paradise. Locals have an incredible count of over 20 championship golf courses, with many designed by renowned architects such as Robert Trent Jones and Pete Dye. These meticulously maintained fairways pair stunning views with challenging fairways, creating exceptional playing experiences for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.

The lifestyle is laid back but also upscale. Bicycle on the miles of paths to world-class five-star restaurants and name-brand boutique retailers. The Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival and the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival celebrate the island’s culinary delights, while arts and music festivals showcase local talent and cultural diversity.

In June 2023, Hilton Head Island had 670 listings at a median price of $650,000. There is a large selection of condominium and townhome living options, but you can find single-family homes, resort-style living, and gated communities.

Living in a South Carolina small town

These are not the only great small towns to live in South Carolina! You can also check out Clemson or go even more intimate in towns like Georgetown and York. Let a local real estate agent know what you’re looking for out of your small-town living to find the right blend of conveniences for you.